Todd Schabel is a contemporary realist oil painter who lives in Central Wisconsin with his wife Marcia, son Theo and two mini-goldendoodles. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where he was fortunate to study with the late Li Hu, who emphasized the need to learn strong drawing skills and the importance of working from life. Todd’s training focused on traditional portraiture, but due to his love of the outdoors and interest in travel, it wasn't long before he fell in love with the landscape and plein air painting. He attends workshops to keep learning with artists such as Mark Boedges, Patrick Saunders and David Dibble.
Todd has had the honor of receiving several plein air awards in the Midwest region including 1st Place awards at Mineral Point, Appleton Paint Out, and Plymouth Paint the Towns and Artist’s Choice at Jefferson Plein Air. He has also been juried into several National and International exhibitions such as the Oil Painters of America National Exhibition and the NOAPS Best of America Small Works. He is represented by the Richeson Gallery in Kimberly, WI and Soul Hammer Gallery in Princeton, WI.
Meet the Artist
What has plein air painting taught you about yourself? How much I hate ticks! Those buggers are sneaky.
What is the furthest you have traveled for your art/plein air? Utah
Can you share a fond, or unusual, memory of plein air painting? Working on a Nocturne until 3 am and barely able to finish the painting.
What is a recent thing that you painted or drew a picture of? A barn, which has become my favorite subject.
What is your favorite plein air subject, location or time of the year to plein air paint? The Driftless Region of Wisconsin, so many great barns and farms.
What is something that looks fun that you want to try? Wakeboarding
